One my grandmother’s favorite sayings were, “What’s old is new again.” With combative firearms training, this is certainly true. While there are instructors who claim they have the latest techniques, the truth is that there are only so many ways to shoot a gun and they have all been invented. The same holds true for ways to carry, conceal and draw a handgun.

Conversely, it never hurts to “revisit” techniques that have fallen out of vogue to see if they fit into modern day skills and such is the case with the appendix draw. A number of noteworthy instructors have begun to look at this mode of carry and recognize its utility in close quarter handgun defense and with good reason — it’s both fast and physiologically efficient. Is it the “end all, be all” of handgun carry? No, but it does have some applications that are worth exploring.

Appendix Draw
The best techniques for fighting are usually the simplest to execute, which is true when drawing from the appendix position. While exact placement can be debated, for the purposes of this column, appendix carry is forward of the center/side of the body on the strong-side. I say this because comfort of the individual will normally dictate the exact location.

Drawing from the appendix position is simple since it requires little movement to execute. Let your shooting side arm hang at your side and slowly bend your elbow straight to the rear as you bring your shooting hand straight up the side of your body. Notice how your shooting hand stops at belt level just forward of the center/side near the appendix position? The ability to bring the shooting hand simply and easily to this location makes the appendix draw noteworthy. Anytime you can eliminate unnecessary motion, performance of any task will be faster.

The draw can be accomplished with either one or two hands, depending on the situation unfolding and the close proximity of the threat. When using one hand, I tuck my fingers under the forward edge of the garment at mid-line, pulling up and back to expose the gun. The support hand can then be used to fend, push people out of the way, redirect or any other needed task.